Manchester City's James Trafford is the frontrunner on a four-man shortlist that also includes Robin Risser of Lens, Brighton's Bart Verbruggen and Brighton loanee Carl Rushworth.
The Sun first reported the shortlist, with Trafford representing both the most expensive and most coveted option. Newcastle agreed a fee to sign the 23-year-old England international last summer only for City to exercise a buyback clause inserted when Trafford originally joined Burnley, snatching him from St James' Park at the eleventh hour.
He has since played second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad and is believed to be open to a move. Eddie Howe is hoping to strike a deal at around £35 million.
Risser offers a younger, more affordable alternative. The 21-year-old, standing 6ft 4in, has kept 10 clean sheets in 30 Ligue 1 appearances this season for Lens and has represented France at every youth level since the age of 15. Newcastle's interest centres particularly on his footwork and distribution, qualities Howe considers essential to how he wants to play out from the back. A fee of around £20 million has been discussed.
Verbruggen, 23, would arrive ready to start immediately and has made over 100 appearances for Brighton since joining from Anderlecht in 2023, but Brighton's valuation of up to £50 million represents a significant obstacle. Rushworth, whose loan at Coventry City helped them to Championship promotion, has also impressed Howe's staff.
The goalkeeping situation has become pressing. Nick Pope, 34, made four errors leading directly to goals across all competitions and was dropped, only to be recalled for the final two matches of the season. Aaron Ramsdale, on loan from Southampton, made 23 appearances but failed to convince on crosses and set-pieces. He will return to his parent club when his loan expires, and veteran third-choice John Ruddy's contract also ends in June.
The push for a new goalkeeper forms part of a wider squad overhaul. Newcastle United also face decisions on Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley, both injured, as well as the potential departure of Anthony Gordon.